Consumer advocates want FDA to lower arsenic levels in fruit juices

Arsenic level found in fruit juices has compelled many consumer advocates to push FDA to stop allowing too much chemical in artificially manufactured fruit juices. FDA, however, says that the present levels are generally low and these juices are safe to drink.

According to a consumer report, more than one third of kids under 5 years of age have six ounces more apple juice intake than recommended by doctors – which potentially exposes them to high levels of arsenic present in apple juice. Hence, the consumer advocate groups want FDA to lower the arsenic level from its present 30% to 25%.

Urvashi Rangan, a member of the Consumer Union, said, “Children are particularly vulnerable because of their small body size and the amount of juice they regularly consume.” Rangan further said that talks with the FDA over the issue were underway after a study showed that 9 out of 88 samples taken from a grocery store had more arsenic than the EPA standards. “…………… continues on allvoices